Myofunctional Therapies
Myofunctional therapy uses neuromuscular re-education techniques and
exercises to help establish correct and optimal oral placement. These
exercises teach your muscles, nerves, and brain how to restore optimal
movement. Specifically, they are designed to improve: tongue position,
lip seal and nasal breathing.
THUMBS UP! Thumb Sucking Elimination Program
Thumb or finger sucking is a common sight among babies and small children. Infants are born with a natural urge to suck their thumbs, which usually decreases after they reach the age of 6 months. Some children, however, continue to suck their thumbs or fingers to soothe themselves. Thumb sucking can quickly become a habit in children who do so when they feel impatient, scared, hungry, tired, or bored.
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The Thumbs Up! Thumb Sucking Elimination Program uses the power of positive reinforcement as a motivator, allowing your child to take charge of breaking his or her own habit with guidance and support from both the therapist and parents. The program creates a sense of self-satisfaction that quickly and effectively replaces the child’s thumb or finger sucking desire.
Tongue Tips: Tongue Thrust Remediation Program
A tongue thrust is known by many names—reverse or immature swallow, orofacial muscle dysfunction, or deviant swallow pattern. All of these refer to the resting posture of the tongue against the teeth and the pushing of the tongue against the teeth during a swallow. Experts estimate that we swallow 500 to 1000 times a day with between 4 and 8 pounds of pressure per swallow. This constant pressure pushes the teeth out of place, causing an abnormal bite known as malocclusion.
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Through programs such as “Tongue Tips”, therapists work to re-train the muscles of the face and tongue for proper posture within the mouth and to correct the swallowing motion. Although consistent commitment is necessary for success, many patients are able to simply and effectively eliminate the
long-term problems associated with a tongue thrust – and enjoy renewed health and self-confidence. These kind of results make therapy that’s “easy to swallow.”
Tiny Tongue Tips: An Early Intervention Myofunctional Therapy Program
This play-based program focuses on teaching children proper oral and
facial postures at rest, during speech, and while swallowing. It aims to
reestablish nasal breathing which has been linked to better overall
health. With proper oral and facial postures, problematic symptoms -
such as chewing/ swallowing difficulties, speech sound errors, snoring/
sleep apnea, and persistent oral habits - become easier to treat.